Division News...

History Day to Take Place at the State Capitol and Culture Center
on Thursday, Feb. 13

Jan. 30, 2014

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — More than sixty local groups with an interest in history or genealogy will gather for the 18th West Virginia History Day from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014 at the State Capitol Complex in Charleston during the regular session of the West Virginia Legislature. All activities are free and open to the public.

The historical groups will provide displays and reenactments in the Upper Rotunda of the State Capitol, between the House and Senate Chambers. Historians, genealogists, educators, preservationists, veterans, fraternal organizations, librarians, ethnic groups and families with an interest in West Virginia’s history will provide exhibits featuring historical documents, photographs, artifacts and publications. Other attractions include reenactments of events in the state’s history, and a ceremony honoring citizens from across the state who have made contributions to the history of West Virginia.

At 9:30 a.m., there will be an awards ceremony in the Norman L. Fagan West Virginia State Theater of the Culture Center. “History Hero” awards will be presented to people who have made significant grass-roots contributions to the preservation of local or regional history. Local historical, genealogical, preservation, museum, patriotic and other similar groups made nominations for those receiving awards.

Authorized by the legislature, West Virginia History Day commemorates local groups’ efforts to preserve, protect and promote the study of the Mountain State’s past. The West Virginia Division of Culture and History joins the Archives and History Commission, West Virginia Historical Society, West Virginia Humanities Council, Friends of West Virginia Culture and History, Mining Your History Foundation, Preservation Alliance of West Virginia, Inc. and West Virginia Association of Museums as organizers of the event.

For more information about West Virginia History Day, contact Joe Geiger, director of archives and history for the division, at (304) 558-0230.

The West Virginia Division of Culture and History is an agency within the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts with Kay Goodwin, Cabinet Secretary. The division, led by Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith, brings together the past, present and future through programs and services focusing on archives and history, arts, historic preservation and museums. For more information about the division’s programs, events and sites, visit www.wvculture.org. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.